The FDA allows service dogs in stores, yet it is unsanitary to bring my dog in if she is in a carrier?? How is that?

Service Dogs mitigate people with all types of disabilities and go through rigorous and extensive training to be protected by access laws. There are just too many people who try to bring ill-behaved dogs into stores which in effect makes it harder for people with legitimate Service Dogs to gain access in public places. I think you'd have a hard time with the carrier thing. I'm not sure I understand how being in a confined carrier while being exposed to strange places is helpful... help your puppy socialize by taking him places where he is allowed to be, like the park, puppy classes, hiking trails, and places with large amounts of people like outdoor shopping areas or festivals. This way puppy can still enjoy "out time" with you, legally, and without a carrier.

Kolbe answered on 10/1/08. Helpful? / 2

It looks like you have received some great answers! If you hate leaving your puppy at home you might check into doggie day care or hiring a dog walker when you are not home.

If you must take your dog into a store, many pet stores, including Petco and Petsmart, will let you bring your dog in as long as it is on a leash. Otherwise, please leave it at home.

You may not be dealing with just the store owner here . . . many state and county health codes prohibit animals (except for service animals) in stores that sell food or medical items. It may be a much bigger battle than you realize.

Personally, I think taking my pet dog (not a SD) into a store would be very inconvenient for me . . . he is very well behaved in public, but I don't think I could manage him and what I am buying at the same time. I also have a great deal of respect and admiration for service dogs and their handlers and would hate to think I could ruin something for them by taking a non-SD in.

Zack answered on 10/1/08. Helpful? / 3

It's not really a sanitary issue alone, it's also a liability issue. An untrained dog in any store could be really bad news. If ANY pet dog is allowed in a store then they all should be, so it wouldn't be a matter of "as long as the dog is in a carrier". i think a dog in a carrier is just as much a liability as one on a leash-if a dog in a carrier somehow gets out, there is nothing to stop that dogs from running a muck.

Service dogs are TRAINED to be in stores and at restaurants and to behave appropriately (vaccinations are another key argument). So i think they have earned their stripes and should be allowed in all stores.

That being said, i live in a small town and my dog is welcome in most of the stores and is welcome to eat on the outdoor patios at restaurants. She comes with me to the book stores and into the corner store regularly. Much of that has to do with how well trained she is-store owners actually enjoy her being around.

Leaving your pup at home isn't hurting him.

Shayne answered on 10/1/08. Helpful? / 1

Also, if a Service Dog acts unrully in a store or business they can be asked to leave.

It took my Service Dog, Shadow 2 1/2 years to become a full fledge Service Dog. He knows over 30 plus commands. He migates my disability with a sixth sense. Not many dogs can go thru the training, but Shadow made it. Service Dogs are taught not to touch food on the ground, etc. Some are trained to take food off the shelves and place into carts or hand it over to their handlers.

As for being clean .. Shadow is groomed daily and has a weekly bath to keep down the shedding and dandruff. Shadow got attacked in JoAnn's Fabrics by a "purse" dog that got loose. So, keep PETS at HOME and let the Service Dogs do their jobs.

SHADOW, Certified Service Dog answered on 10/1/08. Helpful? / 1

A service animal is permitted by the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act). They are highly trained and groomed often. They are more than just average pets. Another way to look at a service dog as if it was a piece of adaptive equipment like a wheelchair or a cane. A service animal has more personality however and requires much upkeep. ;) They are allowed in public places such as restaurants, sports arenas, and taxi cabs. A service animal can be asked to leave if it is being disruptive (such as barking in a movie theater.)
Unfortunately, a pet dog in a carrier has not had the extensive training and socialization that a service dog gets. I'm not saying that all are bad by any means, but there are many mean purse dogs out there, As others have posted, some have even run from their owners and attacked working dogs. That would be the same as taking someone with a vision impairment and suddenly kicking their cane across the room. They are not there for enjoyment, but to work.

Odin - SD answered on 10/2/08. Helpful? / 1